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Saturday of the Sixth Week in Lent

23 Mar
Saturday of the Sixth Week in Lent

3.23.24

Day 34: Dear God, a sense of anticipation fills the air on this Saturday before Holy Week. We reflect on the words of Hebrews (5:5-10) that remind us of Jesus, who learned and grew through his experiences. We are grateful for his obedience, learning through suffering, and becoming the source of eternal salvation for all who choose. 

Grant us the grace to emulate Christ’s obedience, even amidst trials, knowing that we find true freedom and purpose through his example. Help us to surrender our will to yours, finding strength in prayer, just as Christ did. May we be transformed by Christ’s humility, shaping our lives to reflect his love and obedience. Strengthen our faith, renew our spirits, and draw us closer to you, O Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, and Savior, we offer this prayer, trusting in your boundless mercy and grace. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 23, 2024 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Friday of the Sixth Week in Lent

22 Mar
Friday of the Sixth Week in Lent

Day 33: Dear God, on this Friday of the Sixth Week of Lent, we look to you for guidance as we journey towards Holy Week. The Psalmist asks, “How can a young person keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word” (Psalm 119:9).

Like the Psalmist, we turn to your word for wisdom and direction. Help us to discern your will in our lives and find the strength to follow your path. May your light illuminate our steps and guide us towards a deeper understanding of your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Thursday of the Sixth Week in Lent

21 Mar
Thursday of the Sixth Week in Lent

Day 32: Gracious God, we echo the Psalmist’s cry for forgiveness: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). Help us to prepare our hearts for the weight of the coming days, finding solace in your enduring love and the promise of redemption through your son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 21, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Lent

20 Mar
Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Lent

Day 31: Merciful God, deepen our understanding of the significance of the cross. May we not shy away from the suffering Jesus endured but see it as a symbol of your boundless love and sacrifice for humanity, a sacrifice that has the power to draw all people to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 20, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Lent

19 Mar
Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Lent

Day 30: Loving God, remind us of the power of forgiveness. Help us to release any anger, resentment, or bitterness we hold in our hearts. Grant us the grace to forgive ourselves and others, just as you forgive us. Like the seed that falls to the earth and dies, may we be willing to let go of negativity so that new growth and forgiveness can take root in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 19, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Monday of the Sixth Week in Lent

18 Mar
Monday of the Sixth Week in Lent

Day 29: Almighty God, as Holy Week approaches, heighten our awareness of the sacrifices Jesus made for us. Grant us the strength to confront our shortcomings and make the necessary sacrifices to draw closer to you. We yearn for a deeper connection with you. May our Lenten journey be a true preparation for the joy of your Son’s resurrection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 18, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Fifth Sunday in Lent

17 Mar
Fifth Sunday in Lent

3.17.24

Gracious and Merciful God, on this Fifth Sunday in Lent, we come before you with hearts open to your presence. We seek your guidance and strength as we journey closer to the cross. Help us to embrace the disciplines of this season with humility and perseverance. Grant us the wisdom to discern your will and the courage to follow where you lead. May the lessons of Lent deepen our faith and draw us nearer to you. Prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and may your love continue to transform us from within. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Saturday of the Fifth Week in Lent

16 Mar
Saturday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Day 28: Holy God, Your boundless love inspires awe and gratitude. The image of the sunrise, spilling its light over every corner of the world, reflects the vastness of your love. Help me to share this light with others. May my actions and words reflect your love, drawing others into the warmth of your embrace. Guide me to reach out to those who feel excluded or alone, offering them a listening ear and a compassionate heart. May I be a living testament to your love, a beacon that shines brightly in the world. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 16, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Friday of the Fifth Week in Lent

15 Mar
Friday of the Fifth Week in Lent

3.15.24

Day 27: Everlasting God, on this Lenten Friday, I recommit myself to following the path of Jesus. Help me to carry the light of your love into the world. Grant me the strength to overcome challenges, the courage to speak out for justice, and the compassion to offer comfort to those in need. May my actions reflect the transformative power of your love. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 15, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

14 Mar
Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

3.14.24

“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16) These words paint a powerful picture of God’s boundless love, a love that transcends any barrier we might imagine.

Just as God’s love embraces the entire world, we are called to expand our capacity for love. Consider the divisions in our community and the prejudices that create distance. God’s love knows no bounds, and we are called to reflect this love through compassion and understanding.

Reflecting on the sunrise as a metaphor for God’s love—a light that spills over every mountain peak and hidden valley, lighting every corner of the world. We are challenged to be beacons of this same light, welcoming those on the margins, fostering understanding, and building a more loving and just world.

Here are some questions to ponder as we move forward:

  • Does our love reflect God’s?
  • How can we better welcome those different from ourselves into our community?
  • Can we be a bridge of reconciliation, promoting understanding and fostering peace?

As we approach Holy Week, may we carry this message of God’s inclusive love in our hearts. May we shine our light brightly, a testament to the boundless love that embraces the entire world.

A summary of Sunday’s sermon based on John 3:14-21.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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